Diverse sections of fantastic whitewater
Glenwood Springs Canyon
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glenwood springs canyon overview
The Glenwood Springs Canyon section of the Colorado River is composed of the three separately known sections of Barrel Springs, Shoshone and Grizzly Creek. Barrel Springs begins just below a large diversion dam and power plant. This is a short section that features either no water due to diversion or too much, creating one of the most turbulent sections in the state. To avoid Barrel Springs, put-in at the power plant and run the popular Shoshone and Grizzly Creek sections. Both sections have fantastic whitewater and are easily accessible for both commercial and self-guided white water rafting adventures.
Recommended Trips on Glenwood Springs Canyon– Upper Colorado River:
Trip Name: 1/4, Half & Full Day
Sections Included: Glenwood Springs Canyon
Outfitter: Defiance Rafting
Learn More: raftdefiance.com ~ 970.404.3022
glenwood springs canyon sections
Upper Colorado River – Glenwood Springs Canyon Whitewater Rafting Details:
Difficulty: Class II-IV (What does this mean?)
Elevation: 6109′ to 5712′
Average Gradient: 49.6′ per mile
Access to Access
Hanging Lake to Shoshone Powerplant: 2.0 miles
Shoshone Powerplant to Grizzly Creek: 1.0 miles
Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park: 5.0 miles
Total Mileage: 8.0 miles
Notes: There is a large diversion dam just below Hanging Lake the denotes the start of the Barrel Springs section (between Hanging Lake and Shoshone Powerplant). If there is little or no water being released, this section is runnable class II-III. If there is water being released and/or this section is flowing particularly high, it is best to avoid it or scout if possible.
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Information for Upper Colorado River Self-Guided Boaters:
The Upper Colorado River through Glenwood Springs Canyon is in the White River National Forest and is managed by U.S. Forest Service.
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river within the National Forest on public lands.
- River Manager: US Forest Service – Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District
125 West 5th Street, Po Box 720, Eagle, CO 81631
970.328.6388 ~ www.fs.usda.gov/main/whiteriver
Shuttles:
Please contact the river manager (above) for information on shuttles.